Cloud storage is a service rendered, over a network, usually the internet, through which data is maintained, managed, backed up remotely, and made available to users. Examples include :
These services offer free storage for newly registered users. Each has a unique UI (User Interface) which enhances navigation and interaction.
Dropbox, easily one of the most popular around, offers free 2GB of Storage. Google Drive gives free 15Gb, while Amazon Drive, and MediaFire bring 5GB to the table.
Utilizing Cloud storage is beneficial in the context of accessibility. Wherever you are, all you need is an internet powered device to access your files. Conversely, the demerits could be due to server downtime or poor connection. Although, nowadays, cloud storage services have great uptime performance and fast servers.
Local Storage is used in reference to files that are stored in the computer’s hard drive (storage device). Whenever you finish typing a document, and then press CTRL + S. It stores it Locally, In a Folder (Usually Documents) Located on the Hard Drive.
Speed is one of the main advantages to local storage. Storing data on hard drives is faster than uploading to the cloud. You also have full control of your backups, which means better control of who accesses your data.
Using Cloud Storage
For Computer Users, the Internet provides connection between the device and database. Users are to Sign up with the Cloud Storage Service, after which they would be given an account with a default (usually free) storage space.
Cloud storage should not be seen as a standard or established means for file storage, as utilization over the Internet involves Data.
To Use Cloud Services, you should have active data bundle, and the amount of Data Bundle you must have depends on the size(s) of files you would need to upload/download.
For Instance, If you want to upload a 1gb file, you will need over 1gb data bundle. To be on the safe side, 1.5Gb, upwards, not remitting the extra data costs for visiting the website, loading links, and network delay. Poor Network Connection would see you spending over 2gb due to incomplete uploads.
Hence, before uploading files to a cloud storage, the following variables should be properly considered ;
- Size of file(s)
- Internet Browser
- Internet Connection
- Computer Hardware
Size of file(s)
Large files take more Data. Determine the size of the file(s) you want to upload. To accomplish this, right-click on the file, select “Properties”, and a small Window will open indicating the details of the files. A Section Showing “Size” should Display. The Size of the File below is 43.8 MB.
Internet Browser
An Outdated Internet Browser can’t support elements that are used by some cloud services as their web pages are optimized with modern web features so as to enhance navigation, appearance, and interaction. If the Web pages are not properly displayed, then it is probably due to the Web Browser. The Latest Version can be found online.
Internet Connection
4G Networks & 5G Networks should have no issues uploading files to cloud services. However 3g should be carefully considered before uploading large files. It is predominately slow, and your upload might not be finished at the intended time. Generally, in Nigeria, there are peak moments for utilizing the Internet to Upload and Download, and they vary according to ISP. It advised to observe the stability of a connection at certain intervals of the day compared to others.
Computer Hardware
The physical components of your computer can also affect the upload process of your file(s). The RAM (Random Access Memory) stores the information the computer works with. This means that a low RAM, say 512mb would slow down file operations. Hence, uploading large files would affect other computing tasks.
The processor speed determines how fast the computer operates, and it is measured in Hertz . Modern processors are clocked at gigahertz (GHz)
For your upload exercise, 2.5Ghz+ of speed along with 4Gb of RAM should serve you well.
